Habari gani? (How are you?)
We have managed to get a blog started for our african journey ("safari") It is work in progress, please come back to visit often! We hope this blog can keep you updated on our adventures of travel and work in Africa.
tutaonana! (see you again),
Blessings,
Josiah and Lilian
A little something about us:
We have a deep and rooted love and calling for the african continent, especially East Africa. We met there and hope to be back to live, work and serve there.
Josiah was born in Kenya and grew up mostly in East Africa. He attended three years of Bible College (Elim) here in NY, for "missions" abroad. He is now in his last year for a bachelor degree program for teaching elementary with a focus in health. He also works part-time as a waiter.
Lilian was born and raised in the Netherlands. She attended art academy there and then worked as flight attendant for several years. Today she stays home with our two children and illustrates and paints on commission.
In 2004 Josiah was in Kigoma visiting his family and doing an internship for college. That same time the opportunity came up for Lilian to be in Tanzania. She worked with orphans and streetchildren for the few months that she was in Kigoma, Tanzania.
So we met.....It was the beginning of many travels from the Netherlands to the USA, to Tanzania and back.
We fell in love! We got married in 2007 and God has blessed us to be the parents of two little loves; a girl named Ayanna and boy named Gabe. We currently live in the state of NY, but long for life in Africa.
On one of our trips to Tanzania in 2006, we started a schooling project and have been able to continue this yearly. (read more here ). We managed to find sponsors and funding to have 36 children attend school in Kamale,Tanzania. This is something we felt it needed to be continued eventhough we are currently not living there. Education can play such a big role in a child's life and impact his/her future and that of their family.
Our dream/vison would be to start an official project working with the streetchildren and orphans. Josiah would like to put his knowledge in education to good use and possible also serve in teaching more health related topics. Combined we would like to start a guesthouse/retreat center, where adventurous travelers, expats, missionaries can meet, rest, recharge, heal, connect, meditate, work and learn. It would be simple, artistic, inspiring, spiritual, comfortable, different, peaceful and affordable. A place that would join most of our passions, talents and dreams together. It would be a place of community, a place filled with God's love. This could provide jobs for the villagers as well as the older children and be a blessing to many. A place where lives can be changed.
We feel there is much we could possibly bring to a continent like Africa, but eventhough we have more wealth, we know that there is SO MUCH there that could positively impact the western world in return. The smiles, strong faith, passion, uncomplicated liberating way of living, love for community and thankfulness despite hardships. That is just some of the reasons we believe connecting the western world with the african community in the right way would be such a GIFT TO BOTH. These are also just a few of the reasons for our desire to move back to this (to us) magical continent one of these years.
“We never know how God will answer our prayers, but we can expect that He will get us involved in His plan for the answer. If we are true intercessors, we must be ready to take part in God’s work on behalf of the people for whom we pray.” – Corrie Ten Boom
Geweldig verhaal en foto's!
Jullie doen goed werk in Afrika!!
Ik hoop dat jullie droom snel zal uitkomen!
Posted by: Patricia | 04/24/2010 at 02:19 PM